Aviation Research

Texas Aviation Conference

39th Annual Texas Aviation Conference: Call For Nominations

At the Texas Aviation Conference held each year, the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Aviation Division presents four customer service awards. Award nominations for the 2021 Texas Aviation Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Marcos, Texas, are requested for the following categories:

  • Most Improved General Aviation Airport
  • General Aviation Airport of the Year
  • General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year
  • Reliever Airport of the Year or Reliever Airport Manager of the Year

Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 15, 2021 and may be submitted by mail to:
Becky Vick
Aviation Division
Texas Department of Transportation
125 E. 11th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
or
e-mail to: [email protected] or [email protected].

Nominations must be presented in a detailed narrative form sufficient and appropriate for use in presenting the award to the winner. TxDOT reserves the right to alter the wording to appropriately meet the needs for length of presentation or to address the spirit of the award.

Nominations should be detailed, professional and meaningful. They should not be simply a list of attributes, but should be presented in paragraph form commensurate with past-year awards presentation. Examples of previous award presentations are provided at the end of each award category.

Please note that winners from the last five years are not eligible. To view the previous winners, pleas visit: https://aviation.tti.tamu.edu/tac-awards-history/

Aviation Conference Goes Virtual

By Chris Sasser
Texas A&M Transportation Institute

For 38 years, TxDOT’s Aviation Division (AVN) has hosted the Texas Aviation Conference (TAC). While over the years there have been many unforgettable moments—from Marcus Luttrell’s stirring keynote to inspiring stories from award winners—this year’s conference will certainly prove to be one of the most memorable.

The 38th annual TAC was originally scheduled for April 7-9, 2020, at Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was moved to Aug. 18-19 and eventually switched to a virtual platform. (see accompanying story)

Dan Harmon, who replaced David Fulton as the Aviation Division Director on Dec. 2, 2019, began the conference with the traditional State of the Aviation address.

STATE OF THE DIVISION ADDRESS

“It was very important to the entire team that we continue the tradition of the Texas Aviation Conference,” said Harmon, who was speaking from inside one of the Embraer Phenom 100s in the Flight Services fleet. “But as with everything with aviation, safety is paramount. So, if having the conference virtual is what it takes to do it safely, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Photo of Dan Harmon

Aviation Division Director Dan Harmon at the 2020 Texas Aviation Conference.

Harmon has been with TxDOT since August 2013, during which time he has served as Maritime Division Director. He also served as interim Aviation Division Director since Summer 2019.

“Filling Dave’s shoes is a monumental task,” said Harmon. “Dave is my friend, and served as my mentor at TxDOT. Dave built a great team who has supported me throughout this transition and I look forward to working with them in the future.”

In his address, Harmon noted several staff changes including the retirements of Planning Director Greg Miller and Flight Services Director Jay Joseph, and the hiring of Planning Director Jim Halley (see accompanying story).

“It goes without saying the 2020 campaign has been driven by the COVID pandemic,” said Harmon. “Since February, it has had a devastating effect across the world on the aviation industry. No sector or community has been untouched. I don’t think any of us could have envisioned the landscape we have now. From early on, the division worked with our sponsors and our state agencies to try and provide the most updated information as possible.

“TxDOT Aviation is dedicated to helping our airports, especially during this time, and remains focused on providing support and continuing airport development projects. To provide important information to Texas general aviation airports and stakeholders, we created a COVID -19 page on our website to post guidance and updates received from state and federal agencies regarding funding opportunities and safe operation recommendations that may assist airports during the pandemic.” Note: To view the COVID-19 web page, please visit https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/aviation/guidance-covid-19.html.

Harmon also spoke about the disbursement of grants from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“As a result of the CARES Act, we are in the process of processing over 200 grants for $12 million, which is the equivalent of three years’ worth of grants in three months, and all done remotely.”
Harmon finished out his address by introducing the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee, which included three additional members from the past year.

FIRST KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Following Harmon’s address was Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M Jayshree Seth. Seth presented on the “Global perception of Science and the need for STEM Advocacy.”

Jayshree Seth online at the Texas Aviation Conference

TTI Senior Research Scientist Jeff Borowiec watches Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M Jayshree Seth deliver her keynote at the 2020 Texas Aviation Conference.

Seth began her career in 1993 where she worked on components for disposable soft goods such as diaper fastener. In 2006, she moved to the Industrial Adhesive and Tapes Division, where she now leads technology development for sustainable products for the Industrial market. Seth has also appeared in commercials for 3M.

“The fact that we are in this global phenomenon together is unprecedented,” said Seth. “Virtually all of humanity is facing the same threat, confronting the same fears, and waiting for the same miracle from science. So the role of science is more important than ever–we know that science is going to bring us to the other side of this threat we are facing during these times.”

TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Finishing up the morning was the Texas Legislative Session, which featured remarks from Rep. John Cyrier, Bastrop, TX (TX-17); Rep. Ernest Bailes, Shepherd, TX (TX-18); J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. Chairman, Texas Transportation Committee; and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Chair, Senate Aviation Subcommittee.

Photo of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz at the 2020 Texas Aviation Conference.

“If you look at where we are right now, nationally we are facing two simultaneous crises,” said Senator Cruz. “Number one is a global health pandemic that continues to pose serious threats to health and safety. In response to this pandemic we have taken remarkable steps to try to slow the spread of the virus and try to keep people safe, particularly those who are most vulnerable. At the same time, we’re facing a second crisis which is an economic catastrophe, which is of a magnitude that none of us have seen in our lifetimes. We saw aviation virtually shut down. It has slowly started to come back, but remains a fraction of where it was before this pandemic began.”

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

The afternoon sessions featured traditional TAC breakout sessions such as the airport manager’s roundtable and airport compliance, followed by a presentation on the RAMP program by manager Amy Slaughter. The first day closed out with virtual happy hours hosted by AVN staff.

SECOND KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The last day of the conference began with the second keynote presentation “Urban Air Mobility and What it Means for Texas” from Wyatt Smith, Head of Business Development, Uber Elevate; and Danielle Rinsler, Head of Aviation Policy, Uber Elevate.

Photo of Jim Halley

Aviation Division Director of Planning and Programming Jim Halley moderates the “Urban Air Mobility and What it Means for Texas” keynote address at the 2020 Texas Aviation Conference.

“Aerial ridesharing can deliver time savings to people,” said Rinsler. “An example of our vision is that a trip from DFW International Airport to Frisco could take over an hour by ground trip during congested periods, but with UberAIR the same trip could take eight minutes. The goal is to reduce the amount of time people are spending in congested traffic and reduce congestion on the ground.”

TxDOT AVIATION/FAA SESSION

The next session was the TxDOT Aviation/FAA Session that featured Dan Harmon, Director, TxDOT, Aviation Division; Cameron Bryan, Deputy Airports Division Director, FAA Southwest Region; and Ignacio Flores, Airports Division Director, FAA Southwest Region. This traditional TAC session provided attendees an opportunity to ask questions related to airport funding and other important issues.

AVIATION DIVISION SECTION DIRECTORS SESSION

Closing out the conference was the Aviation Division Section Directors session which featured Kari Campbell, Director, Grant Management; Jim Halley, Director, Planning and Programming; and Eusebio Torres, Director, Engineering Project Management.

Aviation Division Directors at the 2020 Texas Aviation Conference

(L-R): Eusebio Torres, Director, Engineering Project Management; Kari Campbell, Director, Grant Management; and Jim Halley, Director, Planning and Programming; prepare to speak at the Aviation Division Section Directors session at the 2020 Texas Aviation Conference.

The panel was held at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute located at the RELLIS Campus in Bryan. Each director spoke about their sections and the role they play in the airport project process.

“When you look at the statistics, Texas is at the top of nearly every measurable aviation category in the country,” said Halley. “Aviation is a cornerstone of our economy and our connectivity to the rest of the world. Our partnerships with our sponsors will continue to be a very important part of keeping Texas at the forefront globally in aviation. We are here for you every step of the way.”

Campbell then spoke about the funding breakdown for fiscal year 2020.

“For FY 20, we received $62 million in federal funding, which is broken out into three different pots of money: $18.2 million in state apportionment funds, $27.2 million in non-primary entitlement funds and $16.6 million in discretionary funding,” said Campbell. “We also received about $19 million from the Texas Legislature to split between the airport development program and RAMP. We budget about $8 million for local capital improvement program cost share programs.”

Campbell also spoke about the extraordinary job her staff has done with the increased workload that came with the CARES Act grants.

Torres rounded out the section with an overview of the engineering project management section.

“Our engineering team is dedicated to providing the best customer service from beginning to end of the project,” said Torres.

CONFERENCE END

At the end of the conference each staff member of AVN had the opportunity to say a virtual “hello” to the attendees.

“Obviously we would have rather had the conference in Galveston and met everyone face-to-face,” said Conference Coordinator Becky Vick. “But I’m proud of the effort of the staff to pull together this virtual conference and we hope that our attendees had a good experience as well.”

All presentations from this conference are available for download at https://events.tti.tamu.edu/conference/tac20/.

The 2021 TAC is scheduled for Aug. 3-5, 2021, at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, Texas.

Texas Aviation Conference Postponed

To combat the spread of COVID-19, the 38th annual Texas Aviation Conference has been postponed. We are working with the venue to set a new date and will be in touch with each registered participant once a new date is in place. You will have the opportunity to transfer your registration to the new date and if you are not able to attend on the new date, your registration fee will be refunded.

“Obviously we are all disappointed to postpone the conference this year, but our priority is to keep everyone healthy and safe,” said TxDOT Director of Grant Management and Administration Kari Campbell. “I would like to thank everyone for their support as we navigate this challenging and developing public health issue. I’m confident that we will be able to schedule a new date at the same location and have another successful conference this year.”

As it becomes available, additional information will also be posted on the conference website at https://events.tti.tamu.edu/conference/tac20/.

NOTE: The Texas Aviation Conference has been rescheduled for August 17–19. Online registration is open.

35th Texas Aviation Conference

Attendees Treated to Memorable Keynote, Full Schedule of Events

By Chris Sasser
Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Marcus Luttrell

Marcus Luttrell

Over 550 aviation professionals, supporters, exhibitors and enthusiasts converged at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Marcos April 19-21 for the 35th Texas Aviation Conference. The conference is sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Aviation Division (AVN).

This year’s conference was highlighted by keynote speaker Marcus Luttrell, a former United States Navy SEAL, who received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his actions in June 2005 against Taliban fighters during Operation Red Wing. In Operation Red Wings, his four-man Special Reconnaissance team was discovered by local herdsmen, subsequently ambushed, and all killed except Luttrell.

The first day conference activities included the 8th Annual Alton Young Memorial Motorcycle Ride, which traveled through a scenic Hill Country route. Alton Young was a former Aviation Division employee and motorcycle enthusiast who passed away in 2010 after an illness. Other activities included a golf tournament and a get-acquainted reception in the evening.

After the presentation of colors, by Texas State University AFROTC Honor Guard, and National Anthem which was sung by San Marcos High School student Happy Davis, TxDOT Aviation Director David Fulton began the conference by introducing the members of the TxDOT Aviation Advisory Committee and Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Austin, who welcomed attendees to the conference.

Randy Loveless from the Federal Aviation Association’s San Antonio Flight Standards District Office then presented Fulton with a surprise award; the prestigious FAA Master Pilot Award.
“There’s very few of us that will ever achieve this honor,” noted Loveless. “And it’s hard to find a more qualified individual than Dave Fulton.”

Fulton followed the award presentation with his annual State of the Aviation Division address.

“Thank you for all you have done to make the Texas aviation system the finest in the country,” said Fulton. “The biggest challenge for us in the past 3.5 years has been the loss of discretionary funding. Through the efforts of a lot of people though, we have got that back on track.”

Zane Lambert, Manager of Aircraft Operations for Sanderson Farms, Inc. then gave a business aviation in Texas presentation. During his presentation Lambert noted “In the time it takes for our employees to even get to the closest commercial airport, we can have them onsite using our own aircraft. It doesn’t take a lot of brain power and spreadsheets to realize that having the aircraft is a benefit.”

Luttrell’s keynote finished out the morning’s activities.

After lunch, attendees had the opportunity to attend a session presented by FAA’s Texas Airport District Office Manager, Ben Guttery, and TxDOT Aviation Division’s Director of Planning and Programming, Greg Miller, which pertained to programming of airport development projects. Following the project programming session, attendees had their choice of breakout sessions. Various topics included an airport manager’s roundtable, pavement and vegetation management, digital NOTAMs, airport self-sufficiency, and a RAMP session with interim RAMP manager Amy Slaughter.

Day one concluded with the annual awards banquet.

The final morning began with an airport compliance session led by TxDOT Aviation’s Wade Troth and Gary Loftus of the Safety and Standards Branch of the FAA’s Southwest Region. NASAO President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Kimberling then provided a Washington update on legislative and policy matters including the upcoming FAA Reauthorization. The conference concluded with a TxDOT/FAA Listening Session with Dave Fulton and Ben Guttery the recently named manager of the FAA’s Texas Airports District Office.

“This conference provides an opportunity for many of our airport sponsors to meet with TxDOT Aviation Division employees face-to-face,” said Texas A&M Transportation Institute Research Scientist and co-conference coordinator Jeff Borowiec. “There are many critical issues with infrastructure and funding that need to be addressed and that face time along with the session topics are hopefully a constructive use of their time.”

Astronaut Gene Cernan Highlights 2016 Texas Aviation Conference

By Chris Sasser
Texas A&M Transportation Institute

View Award Winners or Photo Gallery

The rainy weather did little to dampen the spirits of the 532 attendees of the 2016 Texas Aviation Conference, held March 9-11 at La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa in Montgomery. The conference is sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Aviation Division and participants included airport sponsors, aviation professionals, governmental and economic development officials, enthusiasts and exhibitors.

The last man on the moon, Captain Gene Cernan, retired U.S. Naval aviator and retired NASA Astronaut (Gemini 9, Apollo 10 and Apollo 17), delivered the keynote address to a captivated audience. The session was moderated by TxDOT Aviation Advisory Committee Chairman Jim Schwertner, and featured stories of how Cernan fulfilled his dream to become a Naval Aviator, how he joined NASA, his role as an advisor in the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, and going to space three times as Pilot of Gemini 9A in June 1966, as Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 10 in May 1969, and as Commander of Apollo 17 in December 1972, the final Apollo lunar landing.

During his remarks, Cernan said that his story was one of “any kid with a dream from any town U.S.A.” When asked by Schwertner about his role in Apollo 13, Cernan explained, “if we had lost that flight, we would not have continued the Apollo program. But at the end of the day, we all came home alive. It was a complete team effort; everyone took personal responsibility. They gave us the best machine in the world to fly, and for that, we can all be very proud.”

Cernan was recently featured in the documentary, “The Last Man on the Moon.” When asked about the Apollo 17 mission, Cernan said “when you’re on the moon and you look back at the earth, it’s like being on God’s front porch. That’s what it’s like being on the moon.”

TxDOT Aviation Division Director David Fulton began the conference with an introduction of the Aviation Advisory Committee members, and then delivered his state of the Aviation Division Address.

“This is my 25th conference to attend,” said Fulton. “And at times I’m asked ‘why do you keep doing this’ and the answer is that it’s just so much fun getting to see and work with everyone year after year. We’ve all worked hard to make the Texas aviation system the best in the nation and I truly believe it is. Everyone has done a lot for the airport system, but there’s plenty more we can do.”

In his remarks, Fulton noted that the key to the future was to make the airports as attractive as possible to travelers, notably business aviation.

“If we support business aviation, everyone in general aviation benefits,” said Fulton.

In addition to presenting a conference overview, Fulton provided updates about the non-primary entitlement funding, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill and 3rd class medical, the FAA’s new registration rules for unmanned aircraft systems, MET (meteorological) towers and the last Texas Legislature session.

Fulton also explained the division’s new eGrants software and introduced new staff members and said goodbye to Becky Vick, who among many other roles served as the conference coordinator for the last decade.

Following Fulton’s morning address was Jerry Hendrix, Executive Director of the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence and Innovation located in Corpus Christi. Hendrix explained the mission of the center, the projects the center was actively engaged in and the future of UAS.

TxDOT Aviation Education and Information Program Coordinator Bill Gunn concluded the morning session with his always-popular presentation on airport compliance issues.

After lunch, conference goers had the choice of attending breakout sessions throughout the afternoon. Breakout sessions topics included:

  • TxDOT Aviation Wildlife Hazard Assessment and Management Program
  • an introduction to eGrants
  • airport manager’s roundtable
  • pavement maintenance guidelines
  • developing effective stakeholder relationships
  • increasing activity on your airport, and
  • RAMP and airport consultant sessions.

The day concluded with the Awards Banquet. A complete list of award winners is available at the end of this story.

The final morning began with a presentation from President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials, Greg Principato, who provided an update from Washington.

The conference concluded with comments on the TxDOT/FAA AIP Program and a listening session.

“Texas is a huge state, and many of our attendees travel a good distance to attend this conference,” said Texas A&M Transportation Institute Research Scientist and co-conference organizer Jeff Borowiec. “We want to make sure we give them the most bang for their buck with a wide range of relevant topics presented from experts from around the state and country.”

The conference presentations are available at http://ttigroups.wpengine.com/conferences/tac16/program.php. Next year’s conference will be held April 19-21, 2017, at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos, Texas.

2016 Award Winners

Aviation Art Contest Winners:

Category I (Ages 6–9)

1st Place: Adam Roth, White Rock Montessori, Dallas, TX
2nd Place: Corbin Gray, HJM Elementary, Port Lavaca, TX
3rd Place: Ava Smith, Garden Ridge Elementary, New Braunfels, TX
Honorable Mention: Doreen Luo, HJM Elementary, Port Lavaca, TX

Category II (Ages 10–13)

1st Place: Anika Busra, Kingwood Middle School, Kingwood, TX
2nd Place: Sreeniketan Sai Senapathi, Katy, TX
3rd Place: Alexis Puryear, Wheeler Elementary, Wheeler, TX
Honorable Mention: Avery Pulley, Burnett Junior High, Wylie,TX
Honorable Mention: Emily Eckert, Burnett Junior High, Wylie, TX

Category III (Ages 14–17)

1st Place: Gaby Arambula, JB Alexander HS, Laredo, TX
2nd Place: Mariana Garcia, Veterans Memorial HS, Brownsville, TX
3rd Place: Jason Chu, Burnett Junior High, Wylie, TX
Honorable Mention: Annie Kingston, Burnett Junior High, Wylie, TX
Honorable Mention: Rebecca Gonzalez, JB Alexander HS, Laredo, TX

Airport Awards:

General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year: Bruce McKenzie, Kerrville Municipal/Louis Schreiner Field
Most Improved Airport of the Year: Mid Valley Airport, Weslaco
General Aviation Airport of the Year: Cotulla-La Salle County Airport, Cotulla
Reliever Airport of the Year: Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport, Conroe
RAMP Coordinator of the Year: Tony Loya, El Paso District
Award for 20 Years of Continuous Participation in the Routine Airport Maintenance Program: Big Spring McMahon-Wrinkle Airport, Big Spring

Record Setting Year for Texas Aviation Conference

David Fulton speaking at the Texas Aviation Conference.

TxDOT Aviation Division Director David Fulton delivers his state
of aviation address during the conference’s morning session.

By Chris Sasser
Texas A&M Transportation Institute

The continued economic resurgence and hotbed issues such as impacts of the sequester brought out a record crowd for this year’s 31st annual Texas Aviation Conference. The conference was held May 13-15 at the Austin Hilton.

Over 500 people attended the conference, which was hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Aviation Division. The number represented an increase in participants of 60 from 2012 and 73 from 2011. Conference participants included airport sponsors, TxDOT employees, consultants, contractors and exhibitors.

The conference began with a stirring rendition of the national anthem performed by the Hillsiders quartet. The performance was in remembrance of former Aviation Division (AVN) employee Alton Young, who passed away on January 31, 2010 after a lengthy illness. Young performed with the quartet and for several years sang the National Anthem to open the conference. The Alton Young Memorial Motorcycle Ride, sponsored by Brannon Corp, is also an annual conference event to honor Young’s legacy.

After introducing the Aviation Advisory Committee and welcoming the gathered dignitaries in attendance, AVN Director David Fulton began the conference with his annual State of the Aviation address. In his address, Fulton noted that the past year was a good one for their aviation program.

“During the last year, we issued $150 million in grants for our airport improvement program,” said Fulton. “Since 1992, right after the formation of our division, we’ve invested $1.15 billion in federal and state funds to general aviation (GA) airports in Texas.”

Fulton also noted the growth of the Routine Airport Maintenance Program, which in 2012 invested approximately $7 million into preventative maintenance and other improvements at GA airports. Looking forward, Fulton explained that they are beginning the 2nd year of a four-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization program.

“What’s of primary interest in that (FAA reauthorization bill) is the airport improvement grant program,” said Fulton. “It did decline about four percent during the recession, so it wasn’t too much of a decrease. The good news is that we’ve been ahead of the game because of the stimulus program, and were able to use that money for airport projects.”

Group photo of the TxDOT Aviation Advisory Committee.

Members of the TxDOT Aviation Advisory Committee. L-R: Joe Crawford, Gordon Richardson, Pete Huff, Robert Bruce, John White and Michael Collier.

Fulton rounded out his address by discussing the recently enacted sequestration. He noted that while sequestration did not affect the grant program, it did pose a serious risk to the contract tower program.

“To meet their four percent budget cut required by sequestration, the FAA initially decided to furlough most of their employees for 1-2 days a month and close 75 percent of the contract towers in America,” said Fulton. “We were slated to lose 14 contract towers in Texas, three of which provided commercial service. In an unexpected move, Governor Perry asked the Transportation Commission to investigate options to keep the towers open. Once the Commission received the letter from the Governor, they called a special meeting to discuss options on keeping the towers operating on a temporary basis. Obviously I was delighted and pleased.”

Fulton noted that the following day USA Today ran a front page story on the potential tower closures, and then the FAA postponed the tower closings until June 15, which was eventually moved to the remainder of the fiscal year 2013.

“I’m optimistic that we are done fighting this battle,” concluded Fulton.

Jim Schwertner speaking at the Texas Aviation Conference.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Schwertner Farms and
member of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, Jim Schwertner.

After a morning break, the next presentation was a corporate aviation panel featuring Director of Valero Flight Services and Texas Aviation Advisory Committee member, John White; President and Chief Executive Officer of Schwertner Farms and member of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, Jim Schwertner; and H.E.B Aviation Manager, Marc Miller.

The speakers noted the importance of general aviation to communities in advancing economic growth and also shared their experiences, both good and bad, with smaller airports and advised as to what airport managers can do to provide a positive experience for corporate aviation travelers.

The morning session concluded with a high-energy address from Tony Brigmon, the former Southwest Airlines Ambassador of Fun. Brigmon shared his message of communicating to energize, connecting to engage and cultivating relationships to enrich lives.

After the afternoon breakout sessions, the day concluded with the annual awards banquet, which featured two particularly special awards of note.

The first was the announcement that Plano, Texas, resident Chelsey Wen, age 13, placed 3rd internationally in Category II of the International Aviation Art Competition. Wen placed first in Texas, and 2nd nationally for her artwork. The theme of this year’s contest was “My favorite air sports.”

Group photo of Len Miller and his family.

The 2013 Texas Aviator of the Year award winner Len Miller surrounded by his family.

The second was the Aviator of the Year award won by Len Miller who is 97 years old. During his remarks, Fulton praised Miller for his service to his country, and noted his remarkable career in aviation which began in 1940. During Miller’s career, he flew over 200 types of aircraft and taught over 3,000 students how to fly. In 1980 at the age of 64, he became the manager of Quanah Municipal Airport and in 1996 won our Airport Manager of the Year award. According to his kids, “he went there to retire and is still managing the airport at 97 years old.” Many of Miller’s family were on hand to share in his special moment.

Steve Hadled presents Chelsey Wen an arts content award.

Award winning artist Chelsey Wen is presented an award from NBAA Director of Regional Programs
Steve Hadley. Wen placed 3rd internationally.

The next morning’s activities began with a presentation from National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) President Henry Ogrodzinski. Henry O. (as he’s affectionately known) delivered his usual enthusiastic message about the background of NASAO and future challenges faced by general aviation.

The conference concluded with presentations from AVN Division Director of Planning and Programming Greg Miller, and Mike Nicely, Texas Airport Development Office Manager, FAA Southwest Region, explaining airport funding from the state and federal perspectives.

“Every year when planning the conference program, we try to think of topics that are particularly relevant to the current general aviation climate,” said TTI Research Scientist and conference program planner Jeff Borowiec. “Given our record attendance numbers and general mood of the conference, I believe we achieved our goal.” Next year’s Texas Aviation conference will be held in Dallas at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel on April 9-11, 2014.

All presentations from the conference are available at http://ttigroups.wpengine.com/conferences/tac13/program.php.

Aviation Art Contest: “My Favorite Air Sport”
2013 Award Winners

Category I
Ages 6-9

Nathan Boone, Age 7
Uvalde, Texas
1st place
1st place National Winner

Jessica Zhang, Age 9
Port Lavaca, Texas
2nd place

Alicia Gonzalez, Age 8
Driscoll, Texas
3rd place

Category II
Ages 10-13

Chelsey Wen, Age 13
Plano, Texas
1st place
2nd place National Winner
3rd place International Winner

Avery Hunter, Age 11
Corpus Christi, Texas
2nd place

Jessica Bang, Age 13
Corpus Christi, Texas
3rd place

Arianna Lara, Age 12
Brownsville, Texas
Honorable Mention

Category III
Ages 14-18

Nathaniel Powell, Age 17
Premont, Texas
1st place

Michael Hasha, Age 17
Magnolia, Texas
2nd place

Alexis Lozano, Age 14
Brownsville, Texas
3rd place

Eli Reagh, Age 15
Long View, Texas
Honorable Mention

Emily Hernandez, Age 14
Fort Worth, Texas
Honorable Mention

Allexia Esquivel, Age 14
Brownsville, Texas
Honorable Mention

2013 Aviation Awards

General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year
Debora Melvin, Airport Manager, South Texas International at Edinburg

Most Improved Airport
Port Isabel-Cameron County Airport

Airport of the Year
New Braunfels Regional Airport

Reliever Airport of the Year
Fort Worth Meacham Airport

RAMP Coordinator of the Year
Wayne Rehnborg, Austin District

Texas Aviator of the Year
Len Miller, Quanah Municipal Airport

Galveston Hosts 30th Annual Texas Aviation Conference

By Chris Sasser
Texas A&M Transportation Institute

This a photo of David Fulton

TxDOT Aviation Division Director David Fulton.

It was a milestone gathering of aviation professionals this year as the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Aviation Division hosted its 30th annual conference. This year’s conference was held at the Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston as the historic seaside city continued its economic and development resurgence, post-Hurricane Ike.

Nearly 500 people attended the conference, including airport sponsors, TxDOT employees, consultants, contractors and exhibitors. The event was co-sponsored by the Texas Airports Council and the Texas Aviation Association.

Aviation Division Director David Fulton began the conference by welcoming the gathered dignitaries in attendance, including members of the Aviation Advisory Committee. He then introduced Teri Bruner, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southwest Region Administrator, who spoke about the recently passed FAA reauthorization bill.

Fulton then delivered his annual State of the Aviation Division address.

“Despite the continued economic downturn, the aviation division did about $90 million worth of airport work last year,” said Fulton. “It’s exciting to me to see that we still have the opportunity to implement our programs, and continue to make Texas the best airport system in the nation.”

Fulton also announced recent personnel changes—Greg Miller who replaces the recently departed Scott Gallagher as director of planning and programming, and Molly Lamrouex who replaces Josephine Jarrell as environmental coordinator.

Fulton then addressed the recently passed FAA reauthorization bill.

“After 23 continuing resolutions extending FAA legislation from five years ago, we now have a reauthorization bill,” said Fulton. “Overall we came out good. There was a very slight reduction in money in the four-year act that’s authorized for the airport improvement program. There may be partisanship in Congress, but I believe both sides of the aisle believe in the airport improvement program.”

According to Fulton, the two resolved issues causing the delay in the FAA reauthorization bill were:

1)     an amendment to the Wright Amendment, which means that there is a certain distance from that airport beyond which flights are not allowed to go and

2)     a resolution on union voting procedures.

Finally, Fulton noted that the non-primary entitlement program will continue with the maximum dollar amount of $150,000.

This is a photo of Henry Ogrodzinski

National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) President Henry Ogrodzinski.

After Fulton concluded his remarks, he introduced an old friend of the conference: National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) President Henry Ogrodzinski. Henry O. (as he’s affectionately known) delivered his usual enthusiastic message about the background of NASAO, the FAA reauthorization bill and future challenges faced by general aviation. The challenges Henry O. noted include new user fees and the “Ryan Budget,” which could potentially eliminate nearly 6,000 FAA positions.

After his session, Henry O. was presented with a special Career Contribution to Aviation award by Fulton and conference coordinator Becky Vick.

Rounding out the morning session was a presentation from a PHI official on their operations in the Gulf of Mexico, suggestions from TxDOT employees Ed Mayle and Greg Miller on how airports can improve their terminals and entryways, and a presentation by Dr. Russell DeFusco on airport wildlife management.

After lunch, conference goers were invited to attend breakout sessions covering various hot topics in the general aviation community.

“Every year we work to make sure we are covering topics that are important to the general aviation community in Texas,” said conference program organizer and Texas A&M Transportation Institute Research Scientist Jeff Borowiec. “This year we had an aviation issues roundtable session, which was a result of requests taken from last year’s conference evaluations.”

Other topics included a session on the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP), the airport project development process, airport land acquisition and managing airport real estate.

This is a photo of Hud Hopkins

Hud Hopkins, Director at Scholes International Airport in Galveston.

The day concluded with the annual awards banquet. In her remarks, Vick gave special mention to four-time aviation arts contest winner Ismael Roman.

“This was Ismael’s last year of eligibility for the arts contest,” said Vick. “And he told me in an e-mail that this arts contest has inspired him to study aviation and astronomy. It’s great to see the impact this contest has had on our youth.”

The final day of the conference began with a presentation on airport revenue diversion from FAA Manager Mike Nicely, followed by a talk from City of San Antonio Aviation Director Frank Miller on the value of a statewide aviation association.

Borowiec then concluded the conference by introducing a session that focused on aviation education. Easterwood Airport Director John Happ presented on the James Noel Foundation, and Steve Swartz and Dave Byers updated the conference attendees on the status of aviation educational programs.

“This conference has come to feel like a large family reunion,” said Fulton. “Many of the same people come year after year, and they are very loyal. It’s something we always look forward to.”

2012 TxDOT Aviation Awards

This is a photo of Lenny Llerna and David Fulton

General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year Vinicio (Lenny) Llerena from the New Braunfels Municipal Airport and Fulton.

RAMP Coordinator of the Year—Mike Taylor, TxDOT Amarillo District

Reliever Airport Manager of the Year—Joel Jenkinson, Addison Airport

General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year—Vinicio (Lenny) Llerena, New Braunfels Municipal Airport

Most Improved Airport of the Year—Van Zandt County Regional Airport

Airport of the Year—Uvalde Garner Field Municipal Airport

2012 Aviation Art Contest Award Winners

Category 1: Ages 6 to 9 Years

1st place: Alana Lester, San Antonio

2nd place: Madison Applegate, Kingwood

3rd place: Vijeta Revankar, Seabrook

Category 2: Ages 10 to 13 Years

This is a photo of Steve Hadley and Brianna Salinas

NBAA Regional Representative Steve Hadley and Brianna Salinas from Port Lavaca.

1st place: Victor Trevino, Groves

2nd place: James Robles, El Paso

3rd place: Emily Merlau, Cedar Hill

Category 3: Ages 14 to 17

1st place: Brianna Salinas, Port Lavaca

2nd place: Lacey Worley, Commerce

3rd place: Ismael Roman, Amarillo (also won 2nd place nationally)